In this week’s f Jets Insider, Adam Taggart is in the hot seat answering questions submitted by the club’s Members and supporters.
In this week-s edition of Jets Insider, Hunter Ports Newcastle Jets forward Adam Taggart is in the hot seat answering questions submitted by the club-s Members and supporters.
Taggart is quizzed on topics including this weekend-s blockbuster clash with Sydney FC, his experience playing for the Socceroos and how he plans to celebrate his first Jets goal.
Paul Brown asks via email: You were overseas when the Jets played Sydney in Round 2, you must be looking forward to having the chance to play against Del Piero this time around?
AT: It-s exciting for any player to come up against a legend of the game like him and it-s something I-m really looking forward to. At the same time, he-s still the opposition and we-re going to be down our best to shut him down and beat Sydney.
I think our squad is hyped up for this game and with our current form I think we have something to prove to the fans and hopefully we can send them home happy.
@joshholt22 asks via Twitter: Were you surprised to be picked for Australia after not playing regularly for Newcastle?
AT: Obviously it was a bit of a surprise to be picked having not played much in the A-League, but I-d been away with the Young Socceroos a lot which has limited the number of games I-ve been able play for the Jets.
Even though it did come as a bit of a surprise, I was very grateful for the opportunity and the experience.
Evan Shannon asks via email: How do you plan to celebrate your first goal for the Jets?
AT: By running straight over to celebrate with the Squadron.
@Garyramsay asks via Twitter: Do you think the forward line needs to get rotated more to give us more variety of attack?
AT: Not really. I think it-s just a confidence thing at the moment. I think once one goal goes in, a lot more will follow. We just need to get that first goal and I know everyone has been working really hard so I think that will come sooner rather than later.
@chadly1084 asks via Twitter: Recent games have seen lost ball in precarious field positions. Poor ball security or trying to be to stylish?
AT: I think it-s probably more just little lapses in concentration. All the individuals in our team are very talented and very skillful, so I think those mistakes are just something that happens when confidence is a bit low. Hopefully we can stay switched on and turn it around in the upcoming games.
Ryan Nicholas asks via email: How did you first get into football?
AT: My dad got me into it. He loved it and it was a family thing, so it was just natural that I ended up playing as well.
@martina_1D asks via Twitter: Do you like your role in the team?
AT: To be honest, I don-t really mind whether I play as a number nine or as a wide player because I think swapping around keeps you on your toes a bit more.
Even playing in behind Emile (Heskey) against Perth last week was something I really enjoyed and I really want to improve in that position. Hopefully I can get more opportunities and make a good impact for the team in that role
@Mr_Aaron_B asks via Twitter: What’s it like being in the presence of a legend like Emile Heskey?
AT: Obviously it-s really good having big Emile there. He-s a great player for someone like myself to try and work around because he can hold up the ball and you can make runs off him. It-s great to have someone so strong and big leading the line.
@cameronwilson96 asks via Twitter: Adam, which footballer did you look up to and aspire to be like as a child?
AT: I-ve always liked Wayne Rooney and I really enjoy watching him play. I play a similar kind of role to him, so I try to learn as much as I can by seeing the things he does during a game.
Kelly Cohen asks via email: If you weren-t playing professional football what would you be doing?
AT: I-d probably be a brickie back in Joondalup, which is the place in Perth where I-m from.
Regan Campbell asks via email: Are you confident you-ll be able to nail down a starting spot in the team now that your international commitments are done?
AT: If I get into the starting team I want it to be down to hard work and how I-m performing for the Jets at the current time, not just because I-ve gone and got some experience at International level.
Having experienced the Socceroos, it does make you a little bit hungrier to do well for your club. It-s obviously not going to be easy to cement a spot in the starting line-up because we-ve got a lot of good individual players, especially in the front third, but it-s a challenge that I-ll enjoy.
Thanks for all your questions. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
